King James Version

What Does Numbers 32:20 Mean?

Numbers 32:20 in the King James Version says “And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the LORD to war, — study this verse from Numbers chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the LORD to war,

Numbers 32:20 · KJV


Context

18

We will not return unto our houses, until the children of Israel have inherited every man his inheritance.

19

For we will not inherit with them on yonder side Jordan, or forward; because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side Jordan eastward.

20

And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the LORD to war,

21

And will go all of you armed over Jordan before the LORD, until he hath driven out his enemies from before him,

22

And the land be subdued before the LORD: then afterward ye shall return, and be guiltless before the LORD, and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After Reuben and Gad promised to fight alongside other tribes before settling, Moses consented with conditions. Their amended proposal demonstrated that initial resistance to community obligation could be overcome through committed promise to participate in corporate mission. Proper resolution required both sides hearing each other and finding solution serving both personal interest and communal good.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The condition that they fight 'before the LORD' (verse 20) meant in the vanguard, taking most dangerous position. This proved their sincerity—not seeking safety while others fought but bearing greatest risk. Their willingness to accept these terms showed genuine repentance from initial self-centered request.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can pursuing personal interests be reconciled with community obligations?
  2. What does it mean to bear disproportionate burden to prove your commitment to community welfare?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 13

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶם֙2 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֔ה3 of 13

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אִֽם4 of 13
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תַּעֲשׂ֖וּן5 of 13

unto them If ye will do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת6 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַדָּבָ֣ר7 of 13

this thing

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַזֶּ֑ה8 of 13
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אִם9 of 13
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תֵּחָֽלְצ֛וּ10 of 13

if ye will go armed

H2502

to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen

לִפְנֵ֥י11 of 13

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֖ה12 of 13

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לַמִּלְחָמָֽה׃13 of 13

to war

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 32:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 32:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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